Go Back
A close-up, top-down view of a white pot filled with vibrant Minestrone Soup, featuring pasta, beans, and fresh vegetables.
Daniel

Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup

This robust and comforting Minestrone Soup is packed with fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and a rich tomato broth, making it a complete meal perfect for any season. It's a wholesome and satisfying Italian classic.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 1 large Yellow Onion diced
  • 2 medium Carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 Celery Stalks diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
Vegetables & Legumes
  • 1 medium Zucchini diced
  • 1 cup Green Beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 (28 oz) can Canned Diced Tomatoes undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can Cannellini Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans rinsed and drained
  • 5 oz Fresh Spinach roughly chopped
Liquids & Seasoning
  • 6 cups Vegetable Broth low sodium
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
Pasta & Garnish
  • 1/2 cup Small Pasta ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Aromatics
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Simmer the Broth
  1. Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Vegetables & Pasta
  1. Stir in the diced zucchini, green beans, rinsed cannellini beans, and kidney beans. Increase the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  2. Add the small pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  2. Ladle the hot minestrone soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Storage: Leftover minestrone soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid over time, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Make Ahead: If making ahead for a party or meal prep, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls right before serving to prevent it from getting too mushy.
Variations: Feel free to customize with other vegetables like diced potatoes, cabbage, or bell peppers. For a heartier soup, you can add cooked shredded chicken or a small amount of pancetta sautéed with the aromatics.